A woman was sexually assaulted after being followed from a popular seaside resort, a court was told.

The 20-year-old cried as she described hearing footsteps behind her when she crossed the causeway from Barry Island after an evening out with friends in October.

Speaking over a video link to the courtroom at Cardiff Crown Court, she said: 'When I heard someone shout 'Oi' I panicked and started walking faster. I didn't know who it was - I felt scared - I started to run but when I ran he started chasing me. As I reached the end of the causeway, he grabbed me from behind and pushed me against the railings. I still didn't know who it was, then he turned me round and I could see him.'

The woman, who cannot be named, said she recognised her attacker as Scott Barrett, 20, formerly of Barry.

She claimed earlier that night - in a club on the island - she had told him to leave his ex-girlfriend alone because he was 'trying it on' while she was with another man.

Barrett

denies physically assaulting her by pushing her against the railings and pleads not guilty to a sex assault. He also denies intimidation, by allegedly telling a mutual friend later 'If I go down, she's going to have it.'